Patentable/Patents/US-9787201
US-9787201

Bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter and method thereof

PublishedOctober 10, 2017
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A DC-DC converter is operated in a boost mode by operating a plurality of low-voltage side switches with a first fixed duty cycle (greater than 0.5), with cutting off a plurality of the first high-voltage side switches and a plurality of the second high-voltage side switches, with conducting a plurality of the first diodes of the first high-voltage side switches and a plurality of the second diodes of the second high-voltage side switches, and with alternatively conducting and cutting off a bidirectional switch. In a buck mode, the low-voltage side switches are cut off and a plurality of diodes of the low-voltage side switches are conducted. Furthermore, the first high-voltage side switches are complemented and are operated with a second fixed duty cycle (less than 0.5) while the second high-voltage side switches are conducted and cut off alternatively and the bidirectional switch is switched on and off.

Patent Claims
37 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter comprising: a DC-DC converter including a low voltage side and a high voltage side; a transformer provided in the DC-DC converter, with the transformer including a primary side and a secondary side, with the secondary side having a first arm and a second arm, with the primary side and the secondary side corresponding to the low voltage side and the high voltage side of the DC-DC converter; an inductor provided in the primary side of the transformer; a plurality of low-voltage side switches provided in the primary side of the transformer; a plurality of first high-voltage side switches connected with the first arm of the secondary side of the transformer; a plurality of second high-voltage side switches connected with the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer; a capacitor set provided in the secondary side of the transformer, with the capacitor set including a first capacitor and a second capacitor between which a connection point is provided; and a bidirectional switch connected between the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer and the capacitor set; wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in a boost mode, the plurality of low-voltage side switches is operated with a first fixed duty cycle which is greater than 0.5, with the plurality of first high-voltage side switches and the plurality of second high-voltage side switches being switched off, with a plurality of first diodes of the first high-voltage side switches and a plurality of second diodes of the second high-voltage side switches being conducted, with the bidirectional switch being switched on and off to control a first DC output voltage at the high voltage side; or wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in a buck mode, the plurality of low-voltage side switches is switched off and a plurality of third diodes of the plurality of low-voltage side switches are conducted, with the plurality of first high-voltage side switches operated complementary with a second fixed duty cycle which is less than 0.5, with the plurality of second high-voltage side switches being alternatively switched on and off, with the bidirectional switch switched on and off to control a second DC output voltage at the low voltage side.

Plain English Translation

A bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter has a low-voltage side and a high-voltage side. A transformer connects these sides, with its primary side (low-voltage) including an inductor and multiple low-voltage switches. The secondary side (high-voltage) has two arms, each with multiple high-voltage switches. A capacitor set, consisting of two capacitors with a connection point between them, is on the secondary side. A bidirectional switch connects the second arm of the secondary side to the capacitor set. In boost mode, the low-voltage switches operate at a duty cycle > 0.5, high-voltage switches are off, diodes conduct, and the bidirectional switch controls the high-voltage DC output. In buck mode, low-voltage switches are off with conducting diodes, the first high-voltage side switches are complementary operated with a duty cycle < 0.5, the second high-voltage switches alternate on/off, and the bidirectional switch controls the low-voltage DC output.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of low-voltage side switches includes four switches, with each of the plurality of third diodes reverse-connecting with each of the plurality of low-voltage side switches in parallel.

Plain English Translation

The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter from the previous description has four low-voltage side switches. Each of these switches has a diode connected in reverse parallel. This means a diode is connected across each switch, allowing current to flow in the opposite direction when the switch is off, which supports buck mode operation.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first high-voltage side switches includes two first switches and the plurality of second high-voltage side switches includes two second switches.

Plain English Translation

In the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the first arm of the high-voltage side has two first high-voltage switches, and the second arm has two second high-voltage switches. This describes the specific number of switches used on each side of the transformer's secondary winding arms.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 3 , wherein the bidirectional switch connects with a connection point between the two second switches connected with the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer.

Plain English Translation

The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter's bidirectional switch connects to the midpoint between the two second high-voltage switches. These switches are connected to the second arm of the transformer's secondary side. Thus the bidirectional switch connection point is between these two switches on the second arm.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first capacitor of the capacitor set has a capacitance identical with that of the second capacitor of the capacitor set.

Plain English Translation

The first capacitor and the second capacitor in the capacitor set of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter have the same capacitance value. This ensures voltage balance across the capacitor set on the high-voltage side.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the bidirectional switch includes two third switches, with the two third switches serially connecting each other in reverse direction.

Plain English Translation

The bidirectional switch within the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter comprises two third switches. These third switches are connected in series but in reverse directions to each other. This configuration allows for bidirectional current flow, a necessity in a bidirectional converter.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 6 , wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in the boost mode, the two third switches of the bidirectional switch are switched on and off; or, wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in the buck mode, the two third switches of the bidirectional switch are switched on and off.

Plain English Translation

The two third switches of the bidirectional switch are switched on and off during both boost mode and buck mode operation of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter. This on/off switching action facilitates voltage conversion and control in either direction.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the bidirectional switch includes a diode set and a fourth switch connected thereto in parallel, with connecting the fourth switch connecting with a connection point between the first capacitor and the second capacitor of the capacitor set, with the diode set including four diodes connected to each other to form a bridge circuit.

Plain English Translation

The bidirectional switch of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter includes a diode bridge and a fourth switch connected in parallel with it. The fourth switch connects to the connection point between the first and second capacitors of the capacitor set. The diode bridge consists of four diodes connected to form a bridge circuit.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 8 , wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in the boost mode, the fourth switch of the bidirectional switch are switched on and off; or, wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in the buck mode, the fourth switch of the bidirectional switch are switched on and off.

Plain English Translation

When the DC-DC converter is operated in either boost or buck mode, the fourth switch of the bidirectional switch is switched on and off. This on/off switching of the fourth switch, which is in parallel with a diode bridge, helps manage current flow and voltage conversion in either power direction.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the primary side of the transformer connects with an inductor, with the DC-DC converter operating to reduce a change in voltage of the inductor.

Plain English Translation

The primary side of the transformer in the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter is connected to an inductor. The DC-DC converter operates in such a way as to minimize voltage changes across this inductor, improving efficiency and reducing stress on components.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. A control method of a bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter comprising: providing a DC-DC converter, with the DC-DC converter including a transformer, with the transformer including a primary side and a secondary side, with the primary side and the secondary side corresponding to a low voltage side and a high voltage side of the DC-DC converter; operating the plurality of low-voltage side switches with a first fixed duty cycle which is greater than 0.5 when the DC-DC converter is operated in boost mode; switching off a plurality of first high-voltage side switches and a plurality of second high-voltage side switches, with conducting a plurality of first diodes of the first high-voltage side switches and a plurality of second diodes of the second high-voltage side switches; and switching on and off a bidirectional switch to control a first DC output voltage at the high voltage side, with connecting the bidirectional switch with a connection point between the two second switches connected with a second arm of the secondary side of the transformer.

Plain English Translation

A method for controlling a bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter with a transformer (primary/low-voltage side, secondary/high-voltage side) involves: In boost mode, operating low-voltage side switches at a duty cycle > 0.5; switching off high-voltage side switches, allowing their diodes to conduct; and switching a bidirectional switch on/off. The bidirectional switch connects to a point between two second switches on the transformer's secondary arm, to control high-voltage DC output.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 11 , wherein the secondary side of the transformer includes a first arm and a capacitor set.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, as previously described, involves the transformer's secondary side including both a first arm and a capacitor set. This details a key aspect of the converter's topology.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 12 , wherein the first high-voltage side switches connects with the first arm of the secondary side of the transformer, and the plurality of second high-voltage side switches connects with the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter involves connecting the first high-voltage side switches to the first arm of the transformer's secondary side, while the second high-voltage side switches connect to the second arm of the secondary side. This describes the specific switch placement in relation to the transformer.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 12 , wherein the capacitor set provided in the secondary side of the transformer includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor between which a connection point is provided.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the capacitor set on the secondary side of the transformer includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor, with a connection point established between them. This topology element contributes to voltage balancing and multi-level operation.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 14 , wherein the bidirectional switch connects between the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer and the connection point between the first capacitor and the second capacitor.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter positions the bidirectional switch connection between the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer and the connection point between the first and second capacitors of the capacitor set. This defines a specific electrical pathway in the converter.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 11 , wherein the plurality of low-voltage side switches includes a plurality of third diodes, with each of the plurality of third diodes reverse-connecting with each of the plurality of low-voltage side switches in parallel.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the low-voltage side switches include diodes. Each diode is connected in reverse parallel with its corresponding switch, providing a path for current to flow when the switch is off and enabling buck mode operation.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 11 , wherein the plurality of first high-voltage side switches includes two first switches and the plurality of second high-voltage side switches includes two second switches.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter uses two first switches as the first high-voltage side switches, and two second switches as the second high-voltage side switches. This specifies the number of switches on each secondary arm.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 12 , wherein a first capacitor of the capacitor set has a capacitance identical with that of a second capacitor of the capacitor set.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the first and second capacitors of the capacitor set possess identical capacitance values, ensuring a balanced voltage distribution across the high-voltage side.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 11 , wherein the bidirectional switch includes two third switches, with the two third switches serially connecting each other in reverse direction.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the bidirectional switch consists of two third switches. These third switches are connected in series but in reverse directions, allowing for bidirectional current flow.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 19 , wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in the boost mode, switching on and off the two third switches of the bidirectional switch.

Plain English Translation

During boost mode operation of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the control method involves switching the two third switches of the bidirectional switch on and off. This action contributes to the overall voltage conversion and regulation process.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 11 , wherein the bidirectional switch includes a diode set and a fourth switch connected thereto in parallel, with the fourth switch connecting with a connection point between a first capacitor and a second capacitor of a capacitor set, and wherein the diode set includes four diodes connected to each other to form a bridge circuit.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter utilizes a bidirectional switch comprising a diode bridge and a fourth switch connected in parallel. The fourth switch connects to the junction between the first and second capacitors, and the diode bridge is formed by four interconnected diodes.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 21 , wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in the boost mode, switching on and off the fourth switch of the bidirectional switch.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for operating the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter in boost mode, the fourth switch within the bidirectional switch is switched on and off to regulate the output voltage.

Claim 23

Original Legal Text

23. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 11 , wherein the primary side of the transformer connects with an inductor, with operating the DC-DC converter to reduce a change in voltage of the inductor.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, an inductor is connected to the transformer's primary side, and the DC-DC converter is operated in a way that reduces voltage fluctuations across the inductor, thereby enhancing stability and performance.

Claim 24

Original Legal Text

24. A control method of a bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter comprising: providing a DC-DC converter, with the DC-DC converter including a transformer, with the transformer including a primary side and a secondary side, with the primary side and the secondary side corresponding to a low voltage side and a high voltage side of the DC-DC converter; switching off a plurality of low-voltage side switches and conducting a plurality of third diodes of the low-voltage side switches when the DC-DC converter is operated in a buck mode; operating a plurality of first high-voltage side switches complementary with a second fixed duty cycle which is less than 0.5; and alternatively switching on and off a plurality of second high-voltage side switches and switching on and off a bidirectional switch to control a second DC output voltage at the low voltage side, with connecting the bidirectional switch with a connection point between the two second switches connected with a second arm of the secondary side of the transformer.

Plain English Translation

A method for controlling a bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, having a transformer (low/primary, high/secondary voltage sides), in buck mode involves: Switching off the low-voltage side switches and enabling their diodes; operating first high-voltage side switches with a duty cycle < 0.5, and alternating on/off state the second high-voltage side switches. Additionally, switching the bidirectional switch on/off to control the low-voltage DC output. The bidirectional switch is connected to the midpoint between two second switches on the transformer's secondary arm.

Claim 25

Original Legal Text

25. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 24 , wherein the secondary side of the transformer includes a first arm and a capacitor set.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, as described in the buck mode, involves the secondary side of the transformer including a first arm and a capacitor set. This describes the topology of the secondary side.

Claim 26

Original Legal Text

26. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 25 , wherein the plurality of first high-voltage side switches connects with the first arm of the secondary side of the transformer, and the plurality of second high-voltage side switches connects with the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter involves connecting the first high-voltage side switches to the first arm of the secondary side of the transformer and the second high-voltage side switches to the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer.

Claim 27

Original Legal Text

27. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 25 , wherein the capacitor set provided in the secondary side of the transformer includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor between which a connection point is provided.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the capacitor set provided on the secondary side of the transformer consists of a first capacitor and a second capacitor, with a connection point between them. This configuration facilitates multi-level operation and voltage balancing.

Claim 28

Original Legal Text

28. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 27 , wherein the bidirectional switch connects between the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer and the connection point between the first capacitor and the second capacitor.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter positions the bidirectional switch connection between the second arm of the transformer's secondary side and the connection point between the first and second capacitors. This defines a specific circuit pathway.

Claim 29

Original Legal Text

29. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 24 , wherein the plurality of low-voltage side switches includes four switches, with each of the plurality of third diodes reverse-connecting with each of the plurality of low-voltage side switches in parallel.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the low-voltage side switches consist of four switches. Each of these switches has a diode connected in reverse parallel with it. This is used for buck mode operation.

Claim 30

Original Legal Text

30. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 24 , wherein the plurality of first high-voltage side switches includes two first switches and the plurality of second high-voltage side switches includes two second switches.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter uses two first switches for the first high-voltage side switches and two second switches for the second high-voltage side switches. This defines the number of switches on each side of the transformer.

Claim 31

Original Legal Text

31. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 24 , wherein the bidirectional switch connects with a connection point between the two second switches connected with the second arm of the secondary side of the transformer.

Plain English Translation

The bidirectional switch in the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter connects to a connection point between the two second switches that are connected to the second arm of the transformer's secondary side.

Claim 32

Original Legal Text

32. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 25 , wherein a first capacitor of the capacitor set has a capacitance identical with that of a second capacitor of the capacitor set.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the first and second capacitors within the capacitor set possess identical capacitance values. This balances the voltage across the capacitors.

Claim 33

Original Legal Text

33. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 24 , wherein the bidirectional switch includes two third switches, with the two third switches serially connecting to each other in reverse direction.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the bidirectional switch comprises two third switches connected in series but in opposing directions. This enables bidirectional current flow for bidirectional power transfer.

Claim 34

Original Legal Text

34. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 33 , wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in the buck mode, the plurality of low-voltage side switches are switched off and the plurality of diodes of the low-voltage side switches are conducted, with operating the plurality of first high-voltage side switches in complementary with the second fixed duty cycle which is greater than 0.5, with alternatively switching on and off the plurality of second high-voltage side switches, with switching on and off the two third switches of the bidirectional switch.

Plain English Translation

In buck mode control for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, low-voltage switches are off, and their diodes conduct. First high-voltage switches operate complementary with a duty cycle < 0.5, second high-voltage switches are alternately switched on/off, and the two third switches of the bidirectional switch are switched on and off.

Claim 35

Original Legal Text

35. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 24 , wherein the bidirectional switch includes a diode set and a fourth switch connected thereto in parallel, with the fourth switch connecting with a connection point between a first capacitor and a second capacitor of a capacitor set, with the diode set including four diodes connected to each other to form a bridge circuit.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter, the bidirectional switch includes a diode set and a fourth switch in parallel. The fourth switch is connected to a point between a first and second capacitor, and the diode set consists of four diodes connected in a bridge configuration.

Claim 36

Original Legal Text

36. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 35 , wherein when the DC-DC converter is operated in the buck mode, switching on and off the fourth switch of the bidirectional switch.

Plain English Translation

In the control method for operating the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter in buck mode, the fourth switch within the bidirectional switch is switched on and off to regulate the low voltage side output.

Claim 37

Original Legal Text

37. The control method of the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter as defined in claim 24 , wherein the primary side of the transformer connects with an inductor, with operating the DC-DC converter to reduce a change in voltage of the inductor.

Plain English Translation

The control method for the bidirectional isolated multi-level DC-DC converter involves connecting the transformer's primary side to an inductor, and operating the converter to minimize voltage variations across this inductor. This improves converter stability and reduces stress on the inductor.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

July 6, 2016

Publication Date

October 10, 2017

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